FUNDS TO REBUILD A SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA LANDMARK DESTROYED BY FIRE COULD BE ON THE HORIZON. THE LENOWISCO PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION HAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO ASK THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD TO CONSIDER UP TO 350-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FUNDING TOWARDS A NEW AND IMPROVED HIGH KNOB OBSERVATION TOWER. IF THE MONEY CAN BE OBTAINED, THE FUNDS WOULD BE USED FOR PLANNING, DESIGN, RIGHT OF WAY, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TOWER AT THE SITE OF THE LOCAL LANDMARK WHICH WAS DESTROYED BY ARSON LAST HALLOWEEN. CURRENT ESTIMATES SET THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING A NEW TOWER AT AROUND 572-THOUSAND DOLLARS. OFFICIALS SAY THEY DON’T WANT TO JUST REBUILD THE TOWER. OTHER IDEAS INCLUDE ADDING A VISITORS CENTER TO THE PROJECT AND BUILDING A NETWORK OF TRAILS TO CONNECT HIGH KNOB TO OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST.